Brand name : ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip)
Pronounced: REE-kwip
Generic name: Ropinirole hydrochloride
Why is ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) prescribed?

ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) helps relieve the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Caused by a deficit of dopamine (one of the brain's chief chemical messengers), this disorder is marked by progressive muscle stiffness, tremor, and fatigue. ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, thus promoting better, easier movement.

ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) can be taken with or without levodopa (usually prescribed as Sinemet), another drug used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Most important fact about ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip)

ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) is not a cure for Parkinson's disease. However, it does alleviate symptoms of the disease, and it can shorten the "off" periods of immobility that patients on long-term levodopa therapy often begin to experience.
How should you take ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) without a prescriptions?

Take 3 doses a day, with or without food. If the drug upsets your stomach, combining it with food may relieve the problem. If you are also taking levodopa, its dosage may be gradually decreased when you start therapy with ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip).

If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature away from light.
ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip).

* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal dreaming, abnormal muscle movements, abnormal vision, amnesia, anxiety, arthritis, bronchitis, confusion, constipation, decreased muscle movements, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, eye problems, fainting, falling, fatigue, hallucinations, headache, increased sweating, indigestion, joint pain, leg swelling, nausea, nervousness, pain, paralysis, respiratory tract infection, runny nose, sinus inflammation, skin tingling, sore throat, swelling, tremor, urinary tract infection, viral infections, vomiting, weakness

Why should ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) not be prescribed?

If ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) gives you an allergic reaction, you will not be able to continue using it.
Special warnings about ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip)

At the start of ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) therapy and whenever the dose is increased, you face a slightly increased risk of a fainting spell or other symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness, nausea, sweating, and light-headedness, particularly when you get up suddenly after sitting or reclining for a prolonged period. To avoid such symptoms, be careful to stand up slowly.

A few patients--especially older ones--also develop hallucinations. Let your doctor know if this occurs. You may have to stop ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) therapy.

Use ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) with caution if you have heart disease. There is also a slight chance of developing respiratory difficulties or problems with your eyesight. If you find it hard to breathe, have any swelling, or develop problems with your vision, alert your doctor at once.

If you are taking Sinemet with ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip), you may experience jerking muscle movements. Tell your doctor. He will need to decrease your dose of Sinemet.

With other Parkinson's medications, a sudden dose reduction has been known to cause high fever, muscle stiffness, and loss of consciousness. Although this has not happened with ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip), be alert for such problems and contact your doctor immediately if they occur.

ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) may cause drowsiness, and some people have reported falling asleep without warning during their daily activities. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how the drug affects you. If you find that ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) makes you sleepy or that you're suddenly falling asleep in the middle of routine activities, tell your doctor; he will probably discontinue the drug.

ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) may also cause darkening of your skin and eye color. Tell your doctor if you notice any change.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip)

If ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) with the following:

Alcohol
Antidepressants such as Elavil, Pamelor, and Tofranil
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Drugs that contain levodopa such as Dopar, Larodopa, and Sinemet
Estrogen medications such as ethinyl estradiol (Estinyl)
Major tranquilizers such as Haldol, Mellaril, Navane, Prolixin, and Thorazine
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Tranquilizers such as the benzodiazepines Ativan, Librium, Valium, and Xanax
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Although the effects of ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) during pregnancy have not been adequately studied in humans, birth defects have occurred in animals. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) may inhibit production of breast milk. There is also a possibility that it will appear in breast milk and affect the nursing infant. If ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip)

ADULTS Overdosage :Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

* Symptoms of ROPARK (Ropinirole, Requip) overdose may include:
Agitation, chest pain, confusion, drowsiness, facial muscle movements, grogginess, increased jerkiness of movement, symptoms of low blood pressure (dizziness, light-headedness) upon standing, nausea, vomiting